Some will argue that NBA teams fall into one of two categories: they’re either contending, or they’re rebuilding. Others will call that an oversimplification. Some teams find themselves somewhere in the middle. Rebuilding teams make win-now moves, and contending teams can still tend to their future.
Just look at the Golden State Warriors. This team has been contending for roughly a decade. Yet, they still take the future into account. The Warriors have tanked a couple of seasons and accumulated some lottery picks. They’ve also made a broader effort to target young players at times.
By contrast, the Detroit Pistons are rebuilding by any measure. In fact, they were the worst team in the NBA in 2022-23. Still, this team acquired Bojan Bogdanovic last summer regardless. In all likelihood, the Pistons intended on taking a step forward in the process. Could they turn around and trade the veteran sharpshooter to the Warriors?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: G Chris Paul, 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic, G/F Alec Burks
Yes, the Warriors have made waves with their “two timelines” approach. This team is trying to win now while also preparing for the future. By their own admission, they want to stay “light years” ahead. How’s that working out for them?
Well, that’s a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, the Warriors were forced to trade James Wiseman for Gary Payton III and some second-round picks. They traded Jordan Poole for an aging Paul. Jonathan Kuminga is allegedly unhappy in Golden State. This hasn’t been an entirely smooth process.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Golden State Warriors Updates
On the other hand, the Warriors are only two seasons removed from an NBA championship. This organization won a playoff series just last season. It seems that the present timeline has been prioritized in Golden State, and rightfully so. Does this deal make them stronger right now?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors may not have any incentive to do this deal. Time will tell how Paul fits with the team. On the one hand, Paul is a highly intelligent player – he should be able to figure out their system. On the other hand, Paul plays a slow, prodding style that’s antithetical to what the Warriors do. Moreover, he’s seemingly got a personal issue with Draymond Green already. This may not work.
Let’s assume that, by this year’s deadline, it isn’t. Paul will have value on the trade market as an expiring contract. If the Warriors are willing to pair his deal with an unprotected first, they could get some real value. That’s what they’re doing here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Golden State Warriors Updates
In fact, this deal could make the Warriors title favorites. Adding an elite shooter like Bogdanovic into their heavily spaced-out offense ought to make them lethal. Meanwhile, Burks is a well-rounded player who does a little bit of everything. Are the Pistons getting enough back for these two solid veterans?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Like the Warriors, the Pistons will want to monitor their own situation before making this deal. Luckily, they’ll have to – Paul can’t be traded for some time anyway. If the Pistons are making a play-in push leading up to the deadline, they won’t want to rock the boat.
Let’s assume that they aren’t. If the Pistons are near the bottom of the league’s standings again, they may want to make some moves. Rostering a 34-year-old like Bogdanovic is senseless if it isn’t leading to wins. The Pistons should want to turn his contract into something that’s more valuable to them.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Golden State Warriors Updates
Something like Paul’s expiring deal, for example. Meanwhile, Paul’s veteran mentorship could be valuable to this young roster as well. Still, the Pistons are primarily doing this for a distant, unprotected first-round pick. If the Warriors look like they’re rebuilding by 2028, the Pistons could benefit immensely from this move.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
